Laptop bag with window and pocket insert trays with window cover

ABSTRACT

A laptop computer bag includes a multi-fold body with a first portion having a storage compartment and a second portion, and a fastener for securing the first and second portions together in a folded configuration, the multi-fold body also having an external surface that is exposed when the first and second portions are in the folded configuration and an internal surface that remains substantially unexposed when the first and second portions are in the folded configuration; and a substantially transparent window forming at least a part of the internal surface, whereby when the multi-fold body is in an unfolded configuration the interior of the storage compartment can be viewed through the window. Also disclosed are windowed storage trays designed for insertion into one or more pockets of the laptop computer bag.

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Ser. Nos. 61/055,786, filed May 23, 2008, and 61/075,207, filed Jun. 24, 2008, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to luggage, particularly bags, sleeves, or cases that are designed for carrying a laptop computer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It would be desirable to develop a laptop computer back that would allow the laptop to be screened via security, for example, during air travel, without the need for removing the laptop from the laptop bag itself. The present invention overcomes this deficiency of currently available laptop computer bags by providing a construction for the bag that allows the bag to be configured for (i) unobstructed X-ray viewing of the laptop computer while the computer resides in its compartment (i.e., without its removal from the bag) and (ii) unobstructed visual inspection of the laptop computer or the contents of the laptop computer compartment by security personnel.

In addition, it would also be desirable to provide a storage container or tray that may be used by travelers to store various materials, cellular phone, PDA's, change, MP3 players, etc. in a personal storage tray that is adapted to be stored in the laptop computer bag and is readily accessible for removal and separate inspection during security clearance. The present invention overcomes this deficiency by providing a storage container that includes a cover that allows for (i) unobstructed X-ray viewing of the tray contents and (ii) unobstructed visual inspection of the tray contents by security personnel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a laptop computer bag that includes a multi-fold body including a first portion having a storage compartment, a second portion, and a fastener for securing the first and second portions together in a folded configuration, the multi-fold body also having an external surface that is exposed when the first and second portions are in the folded configuration and an internal surface that remains substantially unexposed when the first and second portions are in the folded configuration; and a substantially transparent window forming at least a part of the internal surface, whereby when the multi-fold body is in an unfolded configuration the interior of the storage compartment can be viewed through the window.

According to one preferred embodiment, the laptop computer bag has a second portion that includes at least one pocket and at least one removable insert tray that is sized and configured to be received within the at least one pocket, where the removable insert tray has a body portion and a cover portion that can be secured over the body portion, the cover portion having a substantially transparent window.

A second aspect of the present invention includes a bag that includes a main body having at least one pocket and at least one removable insert tray that is sized and configured to be received within the at least one pocket, wherein the removable insert tray has a body portion and a cover portion that can be secured over the body portion, where the cover portion includes a substantially transparent window.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to a removable insert tray that is intended for storage in a larger bag or pocket thereof. The removable insert tray includes a body portion and a cover portion that can be secured over the body portion, where the cover portion includes a substantially transparent window.

A fourth aspect of the present invention includes a laptop sleeve that includes a body that defines a compartment sized and configured to receive a laptop computer, wherein the body includes at least a portion thereof that is formed by a substantially transparent window, whereby the interior of the compartment can be viewed through the window.

These and other aspect of the present invention will become apparent upon description of the preferred embodiments and the appended claims.

In particular, the advantages of the various laptop computer bag are many, particularly for travelers who are required to remove their computers from the laptop computer bags during security screening procedures employed at all U.S. airports. These security procedures, while effective, are not necessary in that effective screening can be achieved when using appropriately designed laptop storage bags.

The laptop storage bags of the present invention, whether in the form of a sleeve or a larger bag adapted to hold additional items, allow for full screening by X-ray as well as visual inspection without removal of the laptop from the bag. The laptop storage bags of the present invention were designed to meet U.S. Transportation Security Administration guidelines for a bag that will be permitted for this kind of inspection. Use of the laptop bags of the present invention will substantially reduce security clearance delays caused by individuals who are forced to unpack and then re-pack their laptop computers from their computer bags. Additional benefit will also be realized through the use of “windowed” accessory trays that allow accessories collectively to be removed from a bag, screened, and then returned collectively to the bag via the removable storage trays.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the laptop case. This embodiment has a clamshell or bi-fold construction that includes two sides secured together by zipper. Removable trays are provided within outer pockets.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment, with the function of the two sides and their respective compartments illustrated. The compartment on one side is intended to transport a laptop computer and nothing else. The compartment on the other side is intended to transport accessories.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first embodiment, with the zipper securing the two sides unzipped such that the laptop case can be opened, revealing the interior surface having a window for viewing the laptop computer retained therein.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the laptop case. This embodiment differs only in the closure mechanism for securing together the two sides of the case. A buckle mechanism is provided rather than a zipper, as shown in FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the removable tray shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the removable tray shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the removable tray shown in FIG. 1; and FIG. 7B illustrates the tray in use, receiving a telephone through a deformable opening.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view a second embodiment of the laptop case. This embodiment has a single compartment, and can be in the form of a simple case as shown or even a sleeve.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the laptop case. This embodiment has a tri-fold construction that includes three compartments secured together by zipper. When opened in the configuration shown, the interior surface of the middle compartment is revealed to have a window for viewing the laptop computer retained therein. The middle compartment is intended to transport a laptop computer and nothing else. The remaining compartments are intended to transport accessories.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The laptop computer bags, whether multi-fold bags with or without pockets, or pocketless sleeves, are all characterized by the presence of a window feature. In the multi-fold bags, the window is preferably on an internal surface (i.e., which should prevent damage to the window), although windows formed of durable, though substantially transparent, materials can also be employed on external surfaces. The window preferably forms a sufficiently large portion of the surface on which it resides such that substantially the entire contents of the “windowed” compartment can be visually inspected. The window preferably forms at least 50 or 60% of the surface, more preferably at least about 70 or 80% of the surface, most preferably at least about 90% of the surface on which is resides.

The laptop computer bags can be formed of any suitable combination of materials. The bags are preferably characterized by the presence of a durable outer layer, an inner lining, and a suitable layer of padding. The bag can be formed of any suitable material, the selection of which will largely depend upon non-functional aspects, such as style and fashion. For example, outer layer is preferably formed of synthetic or natural products such as ballistic nylon, leather, canvas, or suede. The padding and lining materials can be selected from known materials. One preferred inner lining material is a light-weight nylon, such as 420 Denier pack cloth. The padding is preferably an open or closed cell foam material, such as ETHAFOAM® (Dow Chemical Co.) or sponge foam. Persons of skill in the art will appreciate that these materials are exemplary are not intended to be limiting in any way. These materials are typically assembled together by stitching or adhesives. The materials should be penetrable by X-ray; thus, metal fiber reinforced materials should largely be avoided.

The windows can be formed into different portions of the bag by either stitching or adhesives that secure the window to the surrounding materials. Edges of the windows can be fabric reinforced to prevent stitching from weakening the window material.

According to one embodiment, the window is semi-transparent (i.e., for visual inspection). By semi-transparent, it is intended that the window includes de minimis obstruction to viewing by a security screening agent. Examples of suitable semi-transparent materials include, without limitation, a window formed of a woven (or nonwoven) mesh material only, or a laminar combination of a layer of a mesh material and a layer of polymer material. The latter can be formed, for example, by impregnating or adhering the mesh to the polymer material.

According to another embodiment, the window is transparent, allowing completely unobstructed visual inspection of the compartment that includes the window. The transparent window is preferably formed of a clear polymer material, a number of which are known in the art. A preferred clear polymer material is vinyl (PVC).

Because the laptop computer bags are intended for X-ray screening, zipper connections preferably contain fastener elements that include an all-nylon zipper coil. Any fasteners utilized on the bag should be placed to avoid interfering with X-ray screening of the laptop storage compartment. Suitable fasteners include, without limitation, hook and loop fasteners, zipper fasteners as described above, and snap fasteners that are preferably formed of plastic materials rather than metal (although metal fasteners can be used as long as they are not positioned to interfere with screening of the laptop computer).

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a first embodiment of the laptop case 10 is illustrated. This laptop case 10 includes a first side or portion 12 having a storage compartment 14, a second side or portion 16 having a storage compartment 18, and a zipper fastener 20 for securing the first and second portions together in a folded configuration.

The storage compartment 14 of the first portion 12 is intended to store only a laptop computer, as shown in FIG. 2. Access to the compartment 14 is provided by a zipper fastener 22. The storage compartment 18 is intended to store any number of accessories. Access to the compartment 18 is provided by a zipper fastener 24. A pair of tether straps 26 can be used to regulate the extent to which the second portion 16 opens for access to compartment 18.

When the zipper fastener 20 is mated together and the first and second portions 12, 16 are in a folded configuration, only the external surfaces of the case 10 are exposed. The internal surface of the case remains substantially unexposed in this configuration. However, when the zipper fastener 20 is opened and the first and second portions 12, 16 are unfolded relative to one another, i.e., into an unfolded position, an internal surface of the case is exposed.

The internal surface 28 of the first portion 12 includes a substantially transparent window 30 forming at least a part of the internal surface. The window 30 can be formed in the internal surface as described above. The window 30 allows security personnel to view the contents of compartment 14 (and any computer stored therein) when the computer case is in the unfolded configuration. This configuration is shown in FIG. 3.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the second portion 16 of the case is provided with a pair of external pockets 32, 34, which can be separately secured via zipper fasteners (not shown). One or both of the pockets 32, 34 (both, as shown) can be provided with a pocket tray 38. Each tray 38, like the laptop case containing the tray, is intended to facilitate security screening of the tray contents without their removal from the tray. This allows the tray to be removed, scanned, and then re-inserted without the need for handling the contents of the tray per se. The trays and their construction are described hereinafter.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a second embodiment of the laptop case 100 is illustrated. This laptop case 100 includes a first side or portion 112 having a storage compartment (for storing a laptop computer), a second side or portion 116 having a storage compartment, and a buckle or clasp fastener 121 a,b for securing the first and second portions together in a folded configuration. As shown in FIG. 4, the clasp fastener 121 a,b is unclasped, allowing the case to be positioned in its open configuration exposing internal surface 128 and window 130. All other features of the second embodiment are the same as the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, including the pocket trays 38.

Each tray is characterized by a body portion and a cover portion that can be secured over the body portion by any means, including, without limitation, snap fastener, zipper, and hook and loop fasteners. The body portion is formed of a material that is deformable yet resilient to retain its configuration. Exemplary materials include, without limitation, neoprene, nylon, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polystyrene, or poly(acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene) (ABS). The cover portion includes a substantially transparent window of the type described above for the case windows.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a tray 200 according to one embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The tray 200 includes a body 210 having a bottom and integral sidewalls, and a cover 212 that is connected at one edge 214 thereof to the top edge of one sidewall by stitching or other suitable means of attachment. This allows for essentially hinged opening or closing of the cover 212. The cover 212 is provided with a window 216 of the type described above. The cover is preferably formed of a combination of a window material of the types described above and a reinforcing fabric material about the perimeter of the cover (for reinforcement). To secure the cover 212 onto the body 210, a zipper fastener 218 is provided about the remaining three sides of body. Any contents of the tray 200 can be viewed through the window 216.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a tray 220 according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The tray 220 includes a body 230 having a bottom and integral sidewalls, and a cover 232. The cover 232 has a structured frame 234 that is sized and configured to mate with body 230, and a window 236 formed therein. The frame 234 can be formed of the same materials as the body 230. The window can be formed of the type of materials described above. To secure the cover 232 onto the body 230, a tether 238 on one side of the frame 234 is provided with a snap fastener 240 and the body includes an appropriately positioned mating fastener (shown mated in FIG. 6). A similar tether and fastener combination can be provided on the opposite side of the tray, or the cover can be provided with a permanent tethered connection to the body on the opposite side. A permanent connection would serve to prevent accidental loss of one component from the other. Any contents of the tray 220 can be viewed through the window 236.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-B, a tray 250 according to a further embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The tray 250 includes a body 260 having a bottom and integral sidewalls, and a cover 262 that is connected at one edge 264 thereof to the top edge of one sidewall by stitching or other suitable means of attachment. This allows for essentially hinged opening or closing of the cover 262. The cover 262 is provided with a window 266 of the type described above. To secure the cover 262 onto the body 260, either a zipper or snap fastener system can be utilized as described above. Any contents of the tray 250 can be viewed through the window 266.

Unique to this embodiment, one sidewall of the body 260 includes a deformable opening 270. This can be formed of rubber or other pliant thermoplastic material, and the deformable material that defines the opening can be attached to the body portion of the tray by stitching or adhesives, or other suitable means. As shown in the drawings, the deformable material can be constructed in a manner such that a plurality of flaps 272 are formed about a central passage 274. The flaps can be deformed substantially independently of one another to accommodate virtually any object that the tray is sized and dimensioned to contain. Moreover, the flaps can be constructed to be resilient and have sufficient memory that allows the flaps to return to their original configuration. As shown in FIG. 7B, an object passing through the deformable opening 270 will cause the flaps 272 to fold inwardly (thereby increasing the size of the opening) and after the object passes through the opening the flaps return to their original configuration (shown in FIG. 7A).

Referring now to FIG. 8, a third embodiment of the laptop case 310 is illustrated. This laptop case 310 is in the form of a sleeve, which contains only a single body portion 312. The body 312 defines a compartment sized and configured to receive a laptop computer, and at least a portion of one side of the body is formed by a substantially transparent window 330, whereby the interior of the compartment can be viewed through the window. Access to the compartment can be provided by a zipper fastener 322 about the perimeter of one side or via a slot or opening (not shown) formed along the top edge adjacent the handle 314.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a fourth embodiment of the laptop case 410 is illustrated. This embodiment is a tri-fold construction, with a middle portion 412 of the bag containing the laptop storage compartment and the corresponding window 430 formed on an internal surface 428 of this portion. In this embodiment, because of the manner in which the outer portions 414 and 416 are folded into a folded configuration, both sides (top and bottom) of the middle portion 412 can be provided with a window. In FIG. 9, however, only one window is shown.

As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the body portions 412 and 414 as well as body portions 412 and 416 can be secured together in a folded configuration by zipper fasteners at the junction of these body portions. When these zipper fasteners are mated together and the three body portions 412, 414, 416 are in a folded configuration, only the external surfaces of the case 410 are exposed. The internal surface(s) of the case remains substantially unexposed in this configuration. Alternative fastener systems can be used to join together (and retain) the different body portions in the folded configuration.

It should be appreciated that the laptop storage compartment (and corresponding window) could also be associated with the body portions 414 or 416 instead of body portion 414 without departing from the scope of this invention. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the accordion fold of the embodiment of FIG. 9 could be modified for an overlapping fold of body portions 414 and 416, such that body portion 412 only includes one internal surface 428 with window 430 (and the opposite side of this body portion would have an external surface when in a folded configuration).

As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, access to compartments of the several body portions 412, 414, 416 can be provided by zipper fasteners, snap fasteners, or mating hook and loop fasteners. This embodiment can optionally include one or more pockets adapted to receive one or more storage strays of the present invention.

The laptop cases of the present invention afford a number of advantages. First, in a normal folded configuration the laptop cases are the size of a typical laptop case and will fit into most overhead storage or underseat storage. In the unfolded configuration, the laptop cases will vary by length, but are suitably dimensioned to fit on the conveyor belt of a standard X-ray machine. Second, the laptop cases can be constructed of appropriate fibers and materials of the type described above, which are radio-transparent and therefore will not obstruct viewing of the contents during X-ray screening. Third, the compartment intended to contain the laptop is completely isolated (when in the open configuration) such that all hardware and fittings, including zipper fasteners, will not obstruct the imaging of a laptop computer residing in the compartment bearing the window. The laptop compartment is discrete and contains no provision for insertion of accessories. Fourth, the provision of the window—when in the open configuration—provides a clear indication to security personnel that the laptop computer does not need to be removed from the laptop case for security screening. Fifth, the basic construction of the first, second, and fourth embodiments provides a secure compartment that is adequately padded to protect laptop computers when in a folded configuration, but in the open configuration the exposed internal window (facing up during security screening) is free of padding or any material thickness. This affords security personnel the ability to visually inspect the contents of the compartment without removing the laptop computer.

In use, the laptop cases of the present invention allow the user to place all metal objects into front pockets, check the allowable liquid storage compartment, and unzip or unclip fasteners that retain the body portions in a folded configuration. This will allow the user to place the laptop case onto a conveyor belt with the window facing up. Security personnel, seeing the window, will allow the laptop to be screened without its removal from the laptop case. Any trays can be removed, scanned, and easily returned to their pockets without having to individually remove each item. The user can reclaim the bag following the screening procedure, insert trays into pockets, secure the bag in the closed configuration, and exit the security area without the need to stop and re-pack the laptop computer or other individual items. This will reduce security delays for all, and simplify travel for users of the bag.

The various embodiments of the trays are not limited to use with laptop computer bags of the type described herein (i.e., having windows). While these trays can certainly be used in combination with the “window” laptop computer bags, and in some embodiments are preferred, it is contemplated that these trays can be used in any type of storage bag that an individual may use for travel.

Although preferred embodiments have been depicted and described in detail herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that various modifications, additions, substitutions, and the like can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and these are therefore considered to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims which follow. 

1. A laptop bag comprising: a multi-fold body comprising a first portion having a storage compartment and a second portion, and a fastener for securing the first and second portions together in a folded configuration, the multi-fold body also comprising an external surface that is exposed when the first and second portions are in the folded configuration and an internal surface that remains substantially unexposed when the first and second portions are in the folded configuration; and a substantially transparent window forming at least a part of the internal surface, whereby when the multi-fold body is in an unfolded configuration the interior of the storage compartment can be viewed through the window.
 2. The laptop bag according to claim 1, wherein the multi-fold body is a bi-fold body consisting of the first and second portions.
 3. The laptop bag according to claim 1, wherein the multi-fold body is a tri-fold body consisting of first, second, and third portions.
 4. The laptop bag according to claim 1, wherein substantially the entire contents of the storage compartment of the first portion can be viewed through the window.
 5. The laptop bag according to claim 1, wherein the window is semi-transparent.
 6. The laptop bag according to claim 5, wherein the window is formed of layer of a mesh material only, or a laminar combination of a layer of a mesh material and a layer of polymer material.
 7. The laptop bag according to claim 1, wherein the window is transparent.
 8. The laptop bag according to claim 7, wherein the window is formed of a clear polymer material.
 9. The laptop bag according to claim 1, wherein the second portion comprises at least one pocket and at least one removable insert tray that is sized and configured to be received within the at least one pocket.
 10. The laptop bag according to claim 9, wherein the removable insert tray comprises a body portion and a cover portion that can be secured over the body portion, the cover portion comprising a substantially transparent window.
 11. The laptop bag according to claim 10, wherein the body portion comprises a bottom and an integral sidewall construction, the sidewall comprising a deformable opening formed therein.
 12. The laptop bag according to claim 10, wherein substantially the entire contents of the at least one tray can be viewed through the substantially transparent window while the tray is removed from the at least one pocket.
 13. A bag comprising: a main body comprising at least one pocket and at least one removable insert tray that is sized and configured to be received within the at least one pocket, wherein the removable insert tray comprises a body portion and a cover portion that can be secured over the body portion, the cover portion comprising a substantially transparent window.
 14. The bag according to claim 13, wherein the body portion is formed of a material that is deformable yet resilient to retain its configuration.
 15. The bag according to claim 13, wherein the substantially transparent window is semi-transparent.
 16. The bag according to claim 15, wherein the window is formed of layer of a mesh material only, or a laminar combination of a layer of a mesh material and a layer of polymer material.
 17. The bag according to claim 13, wherein the window is transparent.
 18. The bag according to claim 17, wherein the window is formed of a clear polymer material.
 19. The bag according to claim 13, wherein the body portion comprises a bottom and an integral sidewall construction, the sidewall comprising a deformable opening formed therein.
 20. The bag according to claim 13, wherein substantially the entire contents of the at least one tray can be viewed through the window while the tray is removed from the at least one pocket. 